“It was a mistake to let him leave before but we could just trigger the buy-back clause in the contract. It is a good thing that we have full control over the situation” – Manchester United: Ten Hag suggests the possibility of triggering a ‘buy-back clause’ to bring back one of the best in the Premier League, stating ‘we have control’ over the situation.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has suggested that the club might trigger a “buy-back clause” to bring back one of their former players, either in January or next summer.

During the 2024 summer transfer window, United sold several players to generate funds for new signings. This included Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as well as left-back Alvaro Carreras, who was sold for around £5 million.

Carreras, who had previously been at Real Madrid as a youth, joined United in 2020 but never made a senior appearance, spending time on loan at Preston, Granada, and Benfica.

After making his move to Benfica permanent, the 21-year-old has impressed this season, particularly in the Champions League against Red Star Belgrade and Atletico Madrid.

With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined due to injuries, United have been short on left-back options. Although summer signing Noussair Mazraoui has performed well, Jonny Evans was used as a temporary left-back against Brentford, as Mazraoui wasn’t fully fit following a heart procedure.

Speculation has emerged about a potential return for Carreras, who is also attracting interest from Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

Ten Hag believes United “have control of the situation,” thanks to a £16 million buy-back clause, and hinted that a move could happen soon.

“The process has been perfect,” Ten Hag said. “We loaned him to Preston, then Granada, where he didn’t play much. We monitored him all along and eventually had the chance to sell.”

“But we have a buy-back clause, so we maintain control of the situation, and I think that’s exactly what he needed,” Ten Hag stated.

“Starting at Preston, then moving to La Liga, and now playing in Portugal with Benfica—each step has taken him to a higher club and a more competitive league. Now, we need to assess the situation and see if he could be an option for us.”

“However, playing for Manchester United, especially in the Premier League, is not easy. It requires experience and development, and you gain that by playing for top clubs and in stronger leagues.”